Page:Poet Lore, volume 33, 1922.pdf/199

 Beauvalle (Greatly astonished).—And shall we stand by the side of a Bavarian prince? Is the order of the entire world falling to pieces? (Hears some one coming.) Quiet! (Looks toward the castle.) Who is with the magistrate?

(Enter with the magistrate.)

Magistrate (Introducing ).—A representative from Jordán, from the highest council.

Jordán (Greeting ).—Excuse my boldness, Count, in looking you up. I did not find you at the castle.

Beauvalle.—I must ask your pardon that my guests are obliged to seek me from home.

Jordán.—Count Millesimo brought news to the castle that you would be delayed here awhile. I had a matter so pressing that I could not await you longer at the castle. If this is a bold stroke, let not my person but the cause for which I labor make the excuse.

Beauvalle.—Surely it will be possible for me to fulfill your request, Mr. Court Commissioner.

Jordán.—I am fleeing from Prague.

Beauvalle.—It is surrounded, besieged.

Jordán.—Even worse (with emphasis) Prague has fallen!

Dejm.—Prague has fallen?

Beauvalle (With surprise).—What are you saying!

Jordán.—It fell yesterday.

Dejm.—Prague is then in the power of the Bavarians?

Jordán.—The Field Marshal of France with the Duke of Saxony struck at the gates of the city and captured it almost with one blow. The Saxons took the Staré Město (Old Town) under their general Rutkovský,—and today Prague is ruled by Charles Albert of Bavaria who calls himself Charles Albert.

Dejm (Joyfully).—He accomplished it easily! The rule of the queen is overturned. A new king in Bohemia!

Jordán (Surprised).—I hope, Count, that you are not going to applaud such news!

Beauvalle.—Surely, Mr. Court Commissioner, there is no need for you to be afraid. But your report is so overwhelming that one might become paralyzed with surprise.